2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in several trims, including SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. It came in Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with three bed lengths depending on the configuration. Prices ranged from $33,425 to $52,930, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, featured a distinctive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-grade look. Inside, the TRD Pro had black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market after an eight-year hiatus, drawing from its international design. It was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor, with a clean, aggressive look that set it apart from the bulkier American trucks. The Ranger's interior was functional but not particularly inviting, with hard plastics that could withstand wear but felt low-rent compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. Available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, the Ranger offered a range of features, with the XLT providing a good balance of content and price. The Lariat trim added upscale touches, and various appearance packages allowed for further customization.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It had a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,730 pounds, depending on the configuration. The TRD Pro model came standard with a 4WD system, BBS forged aluminum wheels, and off-road shocks, making it ideal for off-roading. However, its size could be a drawback on narrow trails. The Tundra's fuel economy was unimpressive, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined.

The 2020 Ford Ranger featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a ten-speed automatic transmission and offered either rear-wheel drive or 4WD. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and had a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds in the SuperCab 4x2 configuration. While the Ranger's ride was stiff, it excelled in off-road conditions with the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages, which added features like off-road tires and an electronically locking rear differential. The Terrain Management System and Trail Control further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, boasted a spacious interior, particularly in the CrewMax configuration, which offered ample rear seating space. The front seats were large and comfortable, but storage options were limited, with a small glove compartment and few backseat storage spots. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates, emphasizing its straightforward design.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab had a 2+2 layout with tight rear seats, while the SuperCrew offered a full rear bench suitable for adults. Both configurations provided ample front-row storage, with deep door pockets and a center console bin. The Ranger's bed options included a six-foot bed for the SuperCab and a five-foot bed for the SuperCrew, with features like a remote locking tailgate and LED bed lighting available.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though housed in a dated-looking interface, offered modern features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims included an 8-inch screen and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. However, the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured a basic AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth and a USB port, along with FordPass Connect for remote access and WiFi hotspot capabilities. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included a premium B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it more favorable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2020 Ford Ranger included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, with features like lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Ranger received top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it had a recall for a transmission issue.